Soldiers end medical patrols in WNB

SOLDIERS from the Warrior Wing at the Goldie River Training Depot have returned to Port Moresby after successfully conducting medical patrols in remote areas of West New Britain and treating more than 1,600 people.
The soldiers, who recently passed their Combat First Aid Course, were able to experience the culture of West New Britain in the exercise from Sept 10-14.
The 25-man team, including two members of the Australian Defence Force, was based at the St Joseph’s Health Centre, Silanga.
From Silanga, they split into two patrols each day and administered inoculations, medical checks and treatment in outlying villages.
They were led by PNGDF Defence Force medics Sgt Jerri Aihi and Lance Corp Mathew A’afa.
The group was accompanied by community health workers Amos Neiap and Giles Pepel, who work for Sister Dominica Uva, the head of the Child Health Clinic at Silanga.
The soldiers were part of a larger PNGDF presence in the province led by Major Ben Bosoi and  was conducting a minor engineering task – expanding a market close to Silanga.
Before leaving, the soldiers conducted a farewell parade and flag-raising ceremony at Tarobi School.